Philippines: UK takes Filipino delegation to Singapore
Published 9 October 2014
© Crown copyright 2014
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/philippines-uk-takes-filipino-delegation-to-singapore/philippines-uk-takes-filipino-delegation-to-singapore
This publication was archived on 4 July 2016
This article is no longer current. Please refer to Overseas Business Risk – Philippines
Summary
At our initiative, Philippine delegation visits Singapore to present Philippine opportunities in PPP/Infrastructure to UK companies there. Philippines delegation includes a Cabinet Secretary, three Undersecretaries and representatives from some of country’s largest conglomerates. Seminar at High Commission, reception at Eden Hall and site visit sees interaction with over 60 UK companies.
Detail
The Philippines is currently in the middle of a major infrastructure investment programme, much of it delivered via the Government’s PPP programme, which has been recognised by UKTI as a High Value Opportunity (HVO). The majority of contracts are expected to be won by the major local conglomerates. However, due to the need for expertise not available domestically to deliver many of these ambitious projects, there is significant scope for UK companies to win business as partners, designers, advisers and suppliers of equipment. Both the public and private sectors are actively interested in engaging UK and other international companies to participate in these tenders.
On 29th September, we organised a Philippine delegation to Singapore to present opportunities in PPP/Infrastructure to UK companies with regional HQs in Singapore. Working with the Philippine British Business Council, the delegation was led at Cabinet Level by the Secretary for Public Works and Highways, accompanied by three Undersecretaries (Ministers of State): for Transport and Communications, for Trade and Industry and for Public Private Partnerships. The private sector members of the delegation included senior level representatives from some of the Philippines largest companies engaged in infrastructure projects.
In a series of events exclusively open to UK companies, the delegation attended a seminar at which they presented the infrastructure opportunities available in the Philippines, followed by a range of networking and 1:1 activities. That evening they, with senior representatives of UK companies, were hosted by Regional UKTI Director Judith Slater at Eden Hall. The delegation took part in a meeting with the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore and carried out a site visit to an Arup rail project.
Comment
Taking the delegation to Singapore rather than London was quicker, more cost-effective and meant attendance by senior people was easier to secure. And for British companies, regional decisions are typically made at regional director level, making this the right level to engage. The mission provided the regional directors of major UK companies direct access to the Philippine Government at Cabinet level, as well as providing the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships with some of the leading local players.
Disclaimer
The purpose of the FCO Country Update(s) for Business (”the Report”) prepared by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is to provide information and related comment to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The Report’s contents were believed (at the time that the Report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by UKTI or its parent Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)) as to the accuracy of the Report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose. In particular, none of the Report’s contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. No liability is accepted by UKTI, the FCO or BIS for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the Report.